Burlington MP announces changes to help students get education grants
BURLINGTON — The spouse or common-law partner of a primary caregiver can now request available education grant funding for eligible children to help simplify the process — and to increase the number of grant recipients, according to the federal government.
Burlington MP Karina Gould was at the Centre for Skills Development and Training on Tuesday to announce the change that came into effect in January.
Approved amendments in the 2017 budget to the Canada Education Savings Act were made to allow “the cohabiting spouse or common-law partner of the primary caregiver to request the Canada Learning Bond (CLB) and Additional Education Savings Grant on behalf of eligible children.”
The change is meant to simplify the application process and ensure more families are taking advantage of the education savings incentive.
The primary caregiver is the person who is eligible to receive the CLB in the child’s name.
“Our government is working hard to make sure everyone who is eligible for the Canada Learning Bond is receiving it,” said Gould, who was representing Employment, Workforce Development and Labour Minister Patty Hadju.
“I encourage all eligible new parents to open an RESP (Registered Education Savings Plan) and apply for the Canada Learning Bond, to give their child a head start on success.”
The CLB provides up to $2,000 in an RESP for children from low-income families, with no personal contribution required. This includes $500 for the first year of eligibility and $100 for each year following until the calendar year they turn 15.
In addition to being from a low-income family, to be eligible for the CLB, a child must be a Canadian resident, born on or after Jan. 1, 2004, and named as a beneficiary to an RESP. They must also have a valid social insurance number (SIN).
Lisa Rizzato, CEO of the skills training centre, said CLB funds can be used for post-secondary expenses, such as trade schools and apprenticeship programs like those offered by the centre.